Commentary by, Faith Leith, Democrat Candidate Oregon House District 56

My name is Faith Leith. As the Democratic candidate for House District 56, I must respond to Rep. E. Werner Reschke’s argument in the October 4 Herald and News.

He pretends that Republicans in Salem are ignored by the Democrats as they have the majority. I have spoken with several of these Democrats and learned that there are many more bipartisan bills passed than the GOP cares to admit. When Republicans’ suggestions are offered in committees and Democrats work them into bills with the promise of yes votes when the bills reach the floor, those promises are seldom kept. Over and over Republicans go back on their word and in the end vote no.

It is frustrating to try to govern when the opposition party does not play fair. Sometimes they even leave the state to get their way. This is not how democracy is supposed to work. But this is the reality in Salem. Democrats know that good ideas can come from anyone. They do not ignore a good idea (policy) just because it originated from someone across the aisle.

When it comes to special interests groups and their influence on either party, it is important to examine which “special” interests we are talking about. It’s true both parties listen to lobbyists. But not all lobbyists are the same. Big pharma, oil companies, and big agribusiness, which Republicans are beholden to, are not the same as teacher organizations, workers unions, and environmental groups. One is protecting wealth, the other workers.

Some of the bills left on the table when Reschke and other Republicans walked out last winter included funding that would have benefited the residents of HD 56. Help with the cost of insulin for the many diabetics in the Basin and forest management legislation (think wildfire destruction) died in committee. Many bills which benefit Portland residents also benefit Klamath County and Lake County residents. Most are statewide issues which require statewide solutions.

The many ways that Reschke and the Republicans oppose the will of the people are too long to list here. But one example is the fact that the overwhelming majority of the public believe in climate change. A science-based solution to the climate crisis is essential. Republicans choose to deny its existence and therefore, don’t have to do anything about it.

As the Democratic candidate for HD 56, I support democracy and believe in science. With a seat at the table when the Democrats divide up the pie (since the Republicans don’t want to participate), I will see to it the HD 56 gets a bigger slice of that pie. Stop sending the party of “no” to Salem!

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